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Associate Producer
Production Assistant (Zest Creative Agency) – Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s offers amazing work and real work-life balance. As one of the biggest supermarkets in the UK, we operate at scale across Brand Planning, Creative, Digital Marketing, CRM, Loyalty, and Insights. With growing customer interactions every week, we connect through data-driven strategies and collaborate with leading agencies—creating exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and explore new teams.
About the Role
As a Production Assistant for Zest Creative Agency, you’ll play a critical role in supporting smooth Marcom production operations, ensuring creative excellence and operational efficiency.
Working closely with Shoot Producers, Studio Teams, and Stakeholders, you’ll assist in organising samples, coordinating shoots, and facilitating production processes for key brands: Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu, and Habitat.
Reporting directly to the Senior Shoot Producer, you’ll contribute to high-quality content production, aligning with Zest Studio’s vision for continued success and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Sample Coordination
- Manage, track, and prepare all samples required for photo/video shoots.
- Ensure samples are delivered on time, in perfect condition, and aligned with production.
- Proactively resolve sample-related issues, escalate delays, and maintain accurate inventory records.
Shoot Planning & Coordination
- Assist Shoot Producers with shoot planning/execution, including location bookings, scheduling, and resource management.
- Liaise with production teams and stakeholders to ensure seamless shoot execution.
- Provide on-site support for smooth operations.
Production Administration
- Handle administrative tasks (e.g., call sheets, courier bookings, travel arrangements).
- Update and maintain schedules and production documents for team accessibility.
Stakeholder Communication
- Facilitate clear, professional communication with vendors, stylists, photographers, and Zest clients.
- Build strong relationships with Key Zest stakeholders, ensuring requirements are understood and met.
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Budget & Expense Tracking
- Assist in budget tracking, reconciliation, and expense monitoring.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and manage cash/ receipts for shoot sundries/catering.
Problem-Solving & Troubleshooting
- Escalate/mitigate logistical/operational issues on-set.
- Serve as a direct point of contact for urgent resolution.
Health & Safety Compliance
- Enforce health/safety protocols (risk assessments, compliance checks).
- Monitor on-set safety, addressing hazards pragmatically.
Team Collaboration
- Work with Shoot Producers, Post-Production, and Creative Teams for seamless workflows.
- Participate in meetings, brainstorms, and planning sessions.
Brief Management
- Own smaller briefs, advancing as an end-to-end production lead with Shoot Producer support.
- Plan complex Zest creative agency production briefs, ensuring:
- Shoot flow and timelines are optimal.
- Studio/locations, models, equipment, resources, and content are fully covered.
Essential Requirements
- Production Experience: Familiarity with agency/studio pre-production and on-set workflows.
- Technical Skills: Basic knowledge of Excel, project management platforms, or inventory systems.
- Creative Industry Background: Previous work with photographers, stylists, or creative teams.
- Process Improvement: Understand how to optimize and streamline production workflows.
Desirable (Bonus) Qualities
(Note: Same as Essential—added for emphasis. Professional experience here deepens suitability.)
- Flexible and Adaptable: Ready to tackle varied tasks fluently.
- First for All Hours: Willing to deliver deadlines with urgency and precision.
- Good Team Player: Collaborative mindset, sharing insights openly.
What We Value in You
Own It
- Take proactive responsibility for sample logistics and coordination.
- Anticipate/resolve issues (missing samples, delays) to maintain high standards.
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Make It Better
- Identify inefficiencies in workflows, proposing practical improvements.
- Offer fresh ideas to enhance shoot efficiency and team performance.
Be Human
- Foster positive relationships with colleagues, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Approach interactions with professionalism, valuing everyone’s dignity.
Key Decision-Making Autonomy
- Prioritise and smooth sample logistics to fit shoot schedules.
- Escalate/resolve issues—prioritising problem-solving over status updates.
- Recommend process tweaks to amplify productivity.
- Coordinate with teams/vendors to ensure unobstructed pre-production.
Support You’ll Receive
✅ Budget Management Training: Structured tutoring from shoot teams. ✅ Development Opportunities: Cross-training, growth-focused learning. ✅ Upskilling Pathways: Level-up skills via tailored support programs.
Sainsbury’s Commitment to You
Within our inclusive culture, everyone belongs, no matter where they work or who they are. Here, you’ll explore new roles, seize learning opportunities, and own your professional growth. We celebrate effort, maintaining flexibility for life balance, excellent benefits including:
Financial & Discount Benefits
🏷 10% (up to 15%) online instore discount on Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu, Habitat shopping. 💼 Pension scheme & life cover support your future security. 🎯 Performance-chanced: Up to 5% salary-related bonus (holistic assessment).
Wellbeing & Support
📅 4+ weeks’ paid holiday + extra buy-back weeks. 💰 Within budgets: Credit advances, salary-pre-pay. 🚴 Retail discounts: Comprehensive partner benefits. 💡 Employee Assistance Program: Confidential mental health support.
Family & Parental Support
👶 Up to 26 weeks pay for maternity/adoption leave. 👨 4 weeks paid paternity/family leave.
Note: Full benefits and eligibility often depend on role-specific terms. For full details, visit www.sainsburys.jobs.
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